We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Bring coastal elegance to summer soirées and seaside weddings with this vintage Christian Dior shell necklace in gold-tone on a sleek snake chain. Its layered shell pendant and adjustable hook closure make it an effortless finishing touch for holiday dinners, garden parties, or elevating a simple blouse by day.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is this Christian Dior Shell Necklace made of? Is it real gold? A: Dior fashion jewellery is typically crafted from gold‑finish plating over quality base metals such as brass rather than solid gold. This vintage necklace features gold‑tone hardware and a snake chain consistent with Dior’s costume jewellery collections.
Q: How long is the chain and where does it sit when worn? A: The chain measures approximately 44 cm (about 17.3 inches). This is a classic short or “princess” length that generally sits at or just below the collarbone for most wearers. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact dimensions.
Q: Is the length adjustable? A: Yes. The adjustable hook closure allows small, fine‑tuned changes to the fit. If you need extra length beyond the built‑in adjustment, a simple necklace extender from a jeweller can add a few centimetres without altering the original piece.
Q: How should I care for this vintage gold‑tone necklace? A: Keep it dry and avoid contact with water, perfume, lotions, and hairspray to preserve the plating. After wear, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth and store separately in a pouch to prevent scratches. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution, rinse briefly, and dry thoroughly—avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive polishing cloths.
Q: Can I wear it in the shower, swimming, or while exercising? A: We do not recommend it. Moisture, sweat, and chlorinated or salt water can dull or wear the gold‑finish plating and may lead to tarnish over time. Remove the necklace before bathing, swimming, or workouts.
Q: Are snake chains delicate? How do I avoid kinks? A: Snake chains are smooth and flexible but can kink if sharply bent. Put the necklace on after dressing, avoid tugging, and store it laid flat or in a gentle curve. If a kink occurs, do not force it straight—consult a professional jeweller for assessment and repair.
Q: Is this necklace hypoallergenic? A: Like most costume jewellery, gold‑plated brass may contain trace metals (such as nickel) that can irritate very sensitive skin. If you have known sensitivities, limit prolonged contact, keep the piece dry and clean, and consider using a clear jewellery barrier on contact points or wearing it over clothing.
Q: How can I tell if a vintage Dior necklace is authentic? A: Vintage Dior pieces typically feature crisp hallmarks such as “Christian Dior” or “Chr. Dior”, sometimes accompanied by a date or “Germany” mark, and display high‑quality plating and construction. Many mid‑ to late‑20th‑century Dior jewels were produced under licence by Henkel & Grosse in Germany. At A Retro Tale, every item is rigorously authenticated by our in‑house experts before listing.
Q: What comes with this item? A: Everything included is listed under Accessories. For this piece, no accessories are included. If you would like recommendations for suitable storage pouches or necklace extenders, please contact us.
Q: Will the colour of the plating last with regular wear? A: With mindful care, the finish remains bright for years. Normal friction and exposure to moisture can gradually wear plating, especially on high‑contact areas such as the clasp and chain edges. Following the care tips above will help maintain the necklace’s shine and minimise wear.
SHIPPING TO THE US
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 2-4 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
